Revolution Healing x Trenton Pride Center
LGBTQ+ Mental Health Mutual Aid Program
LGBTQ+ individuals are at increased risk for mental health issues and suicide. Not because of a predisposition for such issues, but because of the myriad challenges that people in the community face. LGBTQ+ people face societal discrimination, harassment, stigmatization and even violence on a regular basis. A 2019 survey indicates that 86% of LGBTQIA+ youth reported harassment or assault at school. Almost one in six LGBTQIA+ adults report having experienced stigma and discrimination in a healthcare setting, leading one in 5 individuals in this community to avoid seeking out healthcare services due to fear. Additionally, many of these same individuals suffer from limited access to housing, healthcare, and important support systems. Navigating social, community and familial isolation only exacerbates these issues for many. From youth to older adults, LGBTQ individuals experience higher instances of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation across the board. Overall, 30–60% of people who identify as queer are estimated to experience anxiety or depression at some point, which is 1.5 to 2.4 times higher than the rates for cisgendered, heterosexual individuals.
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With anti-LGBTQ hate, discrimination, policies, and laws on the rise, it more imperative than ever that we band together to find new and innovative ways to access the support and care that we need and deserve as a community. Together we can create a community of care that eliminates the need for dependence on systems that were not designed with our well-being in mind, or ones that are susceptible to dismantling at any time. Through mechanisms like mutual aid, we can come together to create sustainable support systems and safety nets through our collective power.
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To address this, Revolution Healing and the Trenton Pride Center are launching a Mental Health Mutual Aid program to support Queer/LGBTQ individuals with financial barriers who are in need of mental health support. Utilizing our network of mental health provider partners, we are making services available from professionals who not only provide LGBTQ affirming care, but have shared identities and experiences, helping us to ensure that the individuals served receive the compassionate, consistent, and individualized support they need to stabilize their mental health, connect with supportive community, get back on their feet, and continue building a life that feels worth living.
Want to help us sustain the fund?
With support from the I Am Trenton Community Foundation, we were able to secure $7,500 in seed funding for the fund. This funding will allow us to connect up to 10 members of the LGBTQ community with immediate and direct individual mental health support on a bi-weekly basis for up to 6 months. But the need is great. In order for us to maintain this, we need your support. Would you consider a one-time or monthly contribution to the fund, to help us sustain and expand our capacity to support the community?
Are you a part of the LGBTQ+ communtiy and seeking support? Are you a provider who would like to work with the fund?
If you are an individual or couple (romantic or aromantic) that identifies as a part of the LGBTQ+, Queer, Trans, gender non-conforming, or gender expansive community seeking care, and have financial or insurance barriers to accessing mental health support, please fill out our Client Inquiry Form here:
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Meet Our Team!
Looking for a provider? Our multi-disciplinary team is committed to supporting members of our community. Click on the photos below to learn more about these providers who are participating with the fund to provide representative, affirming, quality care.
Get in Touch
Are you a LGBTQ+ mental health support provider who is looking to work with the fund to support individuals seeking care? Please contact us via this form. Please include the kind of support/care that you provide and any licenses or certifications that you hold.